Reliable Public Power Providers

Jackson Energy Authority is one of the over 2,000 public power providers in the nation that provide safe, reliable electric service to our community. And, that service has received national recognition as JEA earned the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Reliable Public Power Provider (RP₃) Diamond Designation for the 8^th consecutive time, an achievement accomplished by no other public power provider in the nation!

The American Public Power Association, advocate for not-for-profit, community-owned utilities, created the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP₃) program to recognize public power utilities for providing communities with the highest degree of reliable and safe electric service. Receiving an RP₃ designation is a sign of a utility’s dedication to operating an efficient, safe, and reliable distribution system. Being recognized by the RP₃ program demonstrates to community leaders, governing board members, suppliers, and service providers a utility’s commitment to its employees, customers, and community.

• Of the nation's 2,000+ public power utilities, only 275 hold an RP₃ designation.
• In 2023, less than 50 of those designations were of the RP₃’s highest level, Diamond.
• Only 1, JEA, has been able to achieve the Diamond level designation for the eighth consecutive time.

Four Disciplines of Industry-Recognized Leading Practices

RP₃ designations recognize community-owned, not-for-profit public power utilities that exhibit operational excellence and demonstrate leading practices in:

• Reliability

  • The reliability of an electric system goes beyond keeping the lights on. It also involves important steps like collecting and analyzing reliability data, having a mutual aid agreement, and committing to cyber and physical security.

• Safety

  • Industry leaders aim to create a culture of safety at each utility, ensuring safe standards for employees and customers. Commitment to safety must begin with top management, adherence to a thorough safety manual, and should be included in all aspects of operations from generation to line work.

• Workforce Development

  • Dedicated employees are the key to a great utility. Offering professional development and networking opportunities helps show employees that they are valued, while succession planning and recruitment efforts ensure continuity in a changing workforce.

• System Improvement

  • Utilities maintain the integrity of their systems and promote long-term planning by keeping an eye on the future through research and development and a commitment to system betterment programs, which can help utilities provide reliable services in the future.

The three levels of designation (Diamond, Platinum and Gold) are determined by the scores received from the application process, which is completed over the course of several months and evaluated by an 18-member panel of national utility experts. The designation lasts for three years and serves as an example for others striving for excellence.